1. How did you find out about Anderson Ranch Arts Center?Walter Ostrom, my mentor and professor at the time, told me about the Ranch. I was studying ceramics at the Nova Scotia College of Art and Design as a post-baccalaureate student, and was ready to move on and learn about the lifestyle of the professional studio artist.

2. What three words best describe Anderson Ranch?Nurturing, focused environment.

3. How are you connected to Anderson Ranch?After my 9-month residency at age 24-25, I felt like part of a family. Two decades later, I still consider the Anderson Ranch community to be my extended family. Doug Casebeer has been a mentor to me for 20 years now! I also have taught numerous workshops in ceramics at the Ranch, and I contribute artworks to the Annual Auction nearly every year now, as part of my effort to give back even a portion of what I have benefited.

4. How would you describe your artistic practice?Currently my practice varies from project to project. I might be throwing on the potter's wheel one week, and welding or riveting tin another. I also consider exercise (yoga or push-ups and sit-ups) to be a crucial part of my daily practice, despite the fact that making time for it is not easy. In short, my work moves between process-based and idea-based. There is no "typical" day for me, lately.

5. What are three things that inspire you as an artist?Materials ~ such as wood, concrete, and metal ~ and their aging and decomposition.The need for socio-political change.Our environment, both natural and man-made.